The Bucs‘ passing defense broke down at the end of the day for a team that had a lot of promise heading into the playoffs. The 2024 version of Tampa Bay’s football team beat several good teams and pushed others to their limit.
Despite all that, it all came back to their lack of passing defense being their achilles heel. They know that, so they talked about improving it all offseason.
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One of the leading players being talked about in helping the defense turn the corner in this department is cornerback Tykee Smith. At one point the idea was floated about him moving to safety, but for now, the Bucs want him focusing on getting better at playing one position.
If you ask Todd Bowles, he is “very happy” with what he has seen early on from the young Bucs defender.
“He’s a very smart player, so he understands football. He fits in the spot well. When we get in pads, you’ll see a lot more of the physicality and the things that take place with the linemen. Right now, I’m very happy with him.”
Smith had a knack for finding the ball as a rookie which points well to his promise coming into his second year.
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Whether he plays cornerback or safety, Smith is poised to impact the Bucs’ defense. If Antoine Winfield Jr. can be healthy, it will allow him to make more plays as defenses will be more worried about staying away from the All-Pro safety.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Todd Bowles ‘very happy’ with second-year CB heading into 2025